Hose supporter clasp



Jan. 5, 1965 H. 1'. FINCH, JR

aesa SUPPORTER CLASP Filed June 20, 1965 United States Patent 3,163,907 iii-83E SUFPORTER CLASP Herbert I. Finch, lira, 424 Park Road, Webster Groves 19, Mo. Filed June 20, 1%3, Ser. No. 239,368 10 Claims. (1. 24-248) This invention relates to clasps, and more particularly to a hose supporter clasp adapted to be connected to a girdle, garter or the like for engaging and holding up hose.

Among the several objects of this invention may be noted the provision of a hose supporter clasp which has a relatively flat profile, thereby presenting no noticeable bump or other projections when located inside a relatively tight garment; and the provision of such a clasp which is economical in construction, easy to manipulate, and effective in clamping onto the'upper portion of a stocking, sock or hose. apparent and in part pointed out hereinafter.

The invention accordingly comprises the constructions hereinafter described, the scope of the invention being indicated in the following claims. 7

In the accompanying drawings, in which several of various possible embodiments of the invention are illustrated,

FIG. 1 is a front elevation of one embodiment of a clasp constructed according to this invention;

FIG. 2 is a right-side elevation of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a rear elevation of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a side elevation similar to FIG. 2 illustrating the method of manipulation of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-3;

FIG. 5 is a front elevation of another embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a right-side elevation of FIG. 5; and

FIG. 7 is a side elevation illustrating the method of manipulation of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 5 and 6.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

Referring now to the drawings a hose supporting clasp of this invention is generally indicated at reference numeral 1. The upper portion of a stocking is shown at 3. Clasp 1 includes a hanger 5 having a slot 7 therein which engages a supporting tab 9 of the type connected to a girdle or garter. Hanger 5 has a pair of hinge eyes 11 which rotatably support inturned upper ends 13 of an elongate generally fiat inner jaw 15. I aw 15 is formed as a generally U-shaped loop. It has a lower end portion 17 (also in the form of a generally U-shaped loop) and legs 19 and 21 which extend from the ends 13, toward lower end portion 17. These legs taper toward one another from their upper to their lower ends. Each of the legs has an enlarged or outwardly lowered transition section constituting a hip 23 intermediate the ends 13 and 17. The hips 23 form a widened entrance portion at the upper end of the lower end portion 17.

Upper jaw ends 13 extend further inwardly through eyes 11 into a hinge eye 25 on the upper end of a generally fiat link 27 which is provided at its lower end with a hinge eye 29 for rotatably supporting inwardly turned ends 31 of an elongate outer jaw 33. The link 27 is thus adapted for swinging movement relative to the inner jaw about a first axis transverse to the inner jaw at its upper end. The outer jaw 33 is adapted for swinging movement relative to link 27 about a second axis generally parallel to the first axis. I aw 33 is generally U-shaped, having a nose or lower end portion 35 and legs 37 and 39. Each of legs 37 and 39 has an inwardly bowed or constricted transition section 43 forming a neck and shoulders 41. The U-shaped jaws or loops 15 and 33 may he formed of metal (uncovered or coated with a syn- Other objects and features will be in part thetic or natural resin material) or of synthetic resin material (reinforced or unreinforced) for example.

Loop 33 is generally flat or planar, while the lower end portion 17 of jaw 15 is offset from the arms 19 and 21 toward the other loop 33 in the region of the outwardly bowed hips 23, i.e. the lower end portion 17 is offset outwardly from the portion of the inner jaw above the entrance por-tion formed by hips 23. The amount of offset generally corresponds to the thickness of jaw 33. The lower end portion 17 is gradually inclined inwardly toward the plane of jaw 33 from the hips 23 to its lower end.

The contours of the two lower end portions 17 and 35 are similar, the latter being somewhat larger. The maximum width of the lower portion 35 of jaw 33 is wider than the opening bounded by the lower portion 17 of inner jaw 15, but narrower than the width of the entrance portion, whereby the lower portion 35 of the outer jaw 33 may be moved through the entrance portion of jaw 15 and positioned with the side margins of the lower portion 35 located laterally outward from the interior boundary of the lower portion 17. The width of jaw 33 immediately above neck 4-9 is greater than the width of jaw 15 immediately above hips 23. As will be seen in FIGS. 1-3 the transition sections of loops or jaws 15 and 33 interlock when the lower portion 35 is slipped through the entrance opening between hips 2.3. The inner jaw 15 is longer than the outer jaw 33 and has a length corresponding generally to the length of the outer jaw 33 plus a distance corresponding to the spacing of the axes on which the jaws pivot. More precisely, the length of jaw 15 is substantially equal to the length of jaw 33 plus a distance corresponding to the spacing of the axes on which the jaws pivot minus a distance corresponding genorally to the thickness of the outer jaw. Thus when the lower portion 35 is in its fully extended position as shown in FIGS. 1-3, it extends beyond the end of lower portion 17. Further, because of the similar contours of these lower loop portions, but somewhat larger size of nose 35 lower portion 17 nests substantially within the lower portion 35.

The operation of clasp 1 is as follows:

The jaw 33 is initially moved to its FIG; 4 position and the loops are placed on opposite sides of the top of a stocking 3. It will be noted that loop or jaw 15 continues to lie flat against the body surface of the wearer and that manipulation of loop or jaw 33 and linking plate 27 does not disturb the positioning of loop 15, nor effect any pressing action inwardly against the flesh of the wearer. Nose 35 is then moved downwardly on the outer surface of the hose 3 and through the entrance opening between hips 23 until it reaches its FIG. 2 position. This movement causes a portion of the stocking top to be drawn inwardly around the lower end portion 17 and hips 23 as it wraps around the lower end portion 35. This gripping action is supplemented by the further clasping or gripping of the stocking material in the region of the interlocking transition sections. Since the lower end portion 35 is sized larger than the lower portion 17 any increased tension on the hose in the direction of the arrow T in FIG. 2 causes the portions 17 and 35 to be drawn even closer together in a nesting position, thereby increasing the clamping effect. The hose may be removed from the clamp by merely pivoting the link 27 from its FIG. 2 position to its FIG. 4 position.

An alternate embodiment is generallyindicated at 1a in FIGS. 5, 6 and 7. Clasp It: includes a hanger 5a having a slot 7a which'engages a tab 9a. Hanger 5a has downwardly projecting arms 43 in which a pin 45 is supported. A link 27a is pivotally supported on pin 45 between arms 43. The inwardly turned ends of two clamping loops or jaws 15a and 33:: are rotatably supported in plate 27a adjacent the upper and lower ends, respectively of the plate.

Jaws 15a and 33a are generally similar to jaws 15 and 33, respectively. However, the jaw 33a, while being generally flat or planar, has its lower end portion 35a offset inwardly toward loop 15a by having the loop legs bowed in two directions at intermediate transition section 40a. The amount or distance of this offset generally corresponds to one-half the thickness of one of the wire loops 15a and 33a (see FIG. 6) The intermediate transition section 23a is similar but inversely bowed in two directions thereby effecting an offset of lower portion 17a of the latter toward loop 33a by approximately one-half the thickness of one of the loops 15a and 33a. Thus when the lower portion 35a is slipped through the entrance opening between hips 232: to its FIG. 6 position, the total thickness of the lower portions 17a and 35a is approximately the same as the thickness of one of the loops 15a and 33a. The relationships between the corresponding dimensions of the lower portions-of the loops 15a and 33a are similar to the relationships between the corresponding dimensions of lower portions of the loops 15 and 33. The clasp 1a functions in the same manner as clasp 1 to clamp the upper portion of a hose..

In view of the above, it will be seen that the several objects of the invention are achieved and other advantageous results attained.

As various changes could be made in the above constructions without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

What is claimed is:

1. A clasp, particularly for use as a hose supporter clasp, comprising a pair of elongate generally flat jaws and a generally fiat link, one of said .jaws constituting an inner jaw and the other constituting an outer jaw, said link having a :pivotal connection to one end of the inner jaw constituting the upper end of theinner jaw for swinging movement of the link relative to said inner jaw about a first axis transverse to -the inner jaw at its upper end, said outer jaw having a pivotal connection at one end thereof constituting its upper end to the link for swinging movement of the outer jaw relative to the link about a second axis generally parallel tothe first .axis, said inner jawbeing longer than the-outer jaw, having a length corresponding :generally-tothe length of the outer jaw plus a distance corresponding-to the spacing of-said axes, the'lowenend portion of said inner jaw being in the form of a generally 'U-shaped loop with a widened entrance portion at the upper end thereof, the lower portion of said outer jaw being wider than the opening bounded by said U-shaped loop but narrower than the width of said entrance-portion, whereby thelower portion of said outer jaw may be moved through said entrance .portion'and positioned with the side margins of the lower portion of the outer jaw located laterally outward from the interior boundary of the U-shaped loop and substantially coplanar therewith.

2. A clasp as set forth in claim 1 wherein said U- shaped loop is offset outwardly from the portion of the inner jaw above said entrance portion.

3. A clasp as set forth in claim 2 wherein the "U shaped loop inclinesinwardly'from its upper end 'to its lower end,-and the lower portion of the outer jaw has a generally U-shaped opening therein larger than said U-shaped loop to permit said U-sh-aped loopto nest withinsaid U-shaped opening.

4. A clasp as set forth in claim 1 wherein said U- shaped :loop is offset outwardly from the portion of the inner jaw above said entrance and said lower portion 4g. of said outer jaw is offset inwardly from the portion of the outer jaw thereabove.

5. A clasp as set forth in claim 4 wherein the lower portion of the outer jaw has a generally U-shaped opening therein larger than said U-shaped loop to permit said U-shaped loop to nest within said U-shaped opening.

6. A clasp as set forth in .claim -1 wherein said U- shaped loop is offset outwardly from the portion of the inner jaw above said entrance portion a distance corresponding generally to the thickness of said outer jaw.

7. A clasp as set forth in claim 1 wherein said jaws are substantiallythe same thickness, said U-shaped loop being offset outwardly from the portion of the inner jaw above said entrance a distance corresponding generally to onehalf the thickness of one jaw, and said lower portion .of said outer jaw being offset inwardly from the portion of the outer jaw thereabove a distance corresponding .gen-

erally to one-half the thickness of one jaw.

8. A clasp, particularly for use as a hose supporter clasp, comprising a pair of elongate generally flat jaws and a generally flat link, one of said jaws constituting an inner jaw and the other constituting an outer jaw, each of said jaws comprising a generally U-shaped loop, said link having a pivotal connection to one'end of the inner jaw constituting the upper end of the inner jaw for swinging movement of the link relative to said inner jaw about a first axis transverse to the inner jaw at its upper end, said outer jaw having a pivotal connection at one end thereof constituting its upper end to the link for swinging movement of the outer jaw relative to the link about a second axis generally parallel to the first axis, said inner jaw being longer than the outer jaw, having a length substantially equal to the length of the outer jaw plus a distance corresponding to the spacing of said axes minus a distance corresponding generally to the thickness of the outer jaw, the lower end portion of said inner jaw having a widened entrance portion at the upper end thereof, the lower portion of said outer jaw being wider than the opening bounded by the lower portion of said inner jaw but narrower than the width of said entrance portion, whereby the lower portion of said outer jaw may be moved through said entrance portion and positioned with t the side margins of the lower portion of the outer jaw located laterally outward from the interior boundary of the lower portion of said inner jaw and substantially coplanar therewith.

9. A clasp as set forth in claim 8 wherein said lower portion of said inner jaw is offset outwardly at its upper end from the portion of the inner jaw above said entrance portion a distance corresponding generally to the thickness of said outer jaw.

10. A clasp as set forth in claim 8 wherein the lower portion of said inner jaw is offset outwardly from the portion of said innerjaw above said entrance and said lower portion of said outer jaw is offsetinwardly from the portion of the outer jaw thereabove. each of said offset portions being offset a distance corresponding generally to one-half the thickness of the other jaw.

References-Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 390,775 Greeley Oct. 9, 1888 721,782 Caffey Sept. 30, 1902 992,180 Florsheim May 16, 1911 1,223,989 Lindgren Apr. 24, 1917 1,672,298 Botsford June 5, 1928 2,019,469 Baruch Oct. 29, 1935 2,040,635 Sobel May 12, 1 936 FOREIGN PATENTS 358,466 France Feb. 17, 1906 8,272 Great Britain of 1914 130,242 Australia July 3, 1947 

1. A CLASP, PARTICULARLY FOR USE AS A HOSE SUPPORTER CLASP, COMPRISING A PAIR OF ELONGATE GENERALLY FLAT JAWS AND A GENERALLY FLAT LINK, ONE OF SAID JAWS CONSTITUTING AN INNER JAW AND THE OTHER CONSTITUTING AN OUTER JAW, SAID LINK HAVING A PIVOTAL CONNECTION TO ONE END OF THE INNER JAW CONSTITUTING THE UPPER END OF THE INNER JAW FOR SWINGING MOVEMENT OF THE LINK RELATIVE TO SAID INNER JAW ABOUT A FIRST AXIS TRANSVERSE TO THE INNER JAW AT ITS UPPER END, SAID OUTER JAW HAVING A PIVOTAL CONNECTION AT ONE END THEREOF CONSTITUTING ITS UPPER END TO THE LINK FOR SWINGING MOVEMENT OF THE OUTER JAW RELATIVE TO THE LINK ABOUT A SECOND AXIS GENERALLY PARALLEL TO THE FIRST AXIS, SAID INNER JAW BEING LONGER THAN THE OUTER JAW, HAVING A LENGTH CORRESPONDING GENERALLY TO THE LENGTH OF THE OUTER JAW PLUS A DISTANCE CORRESPONDING TO THE SPACING OF SAID AXES, THE LOWER END PORTION OF SAID INNER JAW BEING IN THE FORM OF A GENERALLY U-SHAPED LOOP WITH A WIDENED ENTRANCE PORTION AT THE UPPER END THEREOF, THE LOWER PORTION OF SAID OUTER JAW BEING WIDER THAN THE OPENING BOUNDED BY SAID U-SHAPED LOOP BUT NARROWER THAN THE WIDTH OF SAID ENTRANCE PORTION, WHEREBY THE LOWER PORTION OF SAID OUTER JAW MAY BE MOVED THROUGH SAID ENTRANCE PORTION AND POSITIONED WITH THE SIDE MARGINS OF THE LOWER PORTION OF THE OUTER JAW LOCATED LATERALLY OUTWARD FROM THE INTERIOR BOUNDARY OF THE U-SHAPED LOOP AND SUBSTANTIALLY COPLANAR THEREWITH. 